PD Recommendation Report (PL-SPP-2023-000040)

Home

work are taking place in Hilo, which requires additional flight time and fuel. The estimated cost for the construction of the proposed hangar is between $3.5 and $4 million. The licensee expects the new hangar to be completed within 5 years. Granting of the amendment request would not be contrary to the General Plan or South Kohala Community Development Plan (SKCDP). The County of Hawaii General Plan is the policy document for the long-range comprehensive development of the island of Hawaii. One of the purposes of the General Plan is to guide the pattern of future development in this County based on long-term goals. The General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map designates the property as Urban Expansion (ue) and Open (o) Area. This designation has not changed since the original Special Permit was issued in 1983. The South Kohala Community Development Plan was adopted by the Hawaii County Council by Ordinance No. 08-159 on December 1, 2008. The plan does not specifically address the existing heliport. Both the General Plan and SKCDP indicate the importance of maintaining scenic views of Mauna Kea in the Waikoloa area. The proposed hangar has the potential to impact views of Mauna Kea from nearby roadways, thus the Planning Director recommends adding a condition to the permit to have the applicant paint the hangar in a color that blends in with the surrounding landscape to minimize view plane impacts. Based on the above, this time extension amendment request will not be contrary to the goals of the General Plan or the SKCDP. Granting of the amendment request would not be contrary to the original reasons for the granting of the Special Permit. The original reasons for approval of Special Permit No. 538 are still applicable today and the request is not contrary to these reasons. The use would continue to be an unusual and reasonable use of lands situated within the Agricultural District and will not be contrary to the objectives of Chapter 205, HRS, as amended. The land upon which the existing use is sought is unsuited for the uses permitted within the district. It is classified as "E" or "Very Poor" for agricultural productivity by the Land Study Bureau and unclassified by the Agricultural Lands of Importance to the State of Hawaii (ALISH) Map. The use will not adversely affect surrounding properties. Since the approval of the most recent amendment to the Special -2-